Slaughtering apparatus



(No Model.) 2 SheetsSheet 1. T. H. CURTIS.

SLAUGHTEBING APPARATUS. No. 448,413. Patented Mar. 1'7, 1891.

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' 2 Sheets-Sheet 2. I T. H. CURTIS. SLAUGHTBRING APPARATU3.

Patented Mar. 1'7, 1891.

(No Model.)

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anion.

THEODORE H. CURTIS, OF CLEVELAND,

OHIO.

SLAUGHTERING APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 448,413, dated March17, 1891.

' Application filed October 28,1890. Serial No. 369,580 (N0 model.)

ratus; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, andexact description of the invention, which will enable others skilled inthe art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference beingbad to the accompanying drawings, and to the let:

ters and figures of reference marked thereon, which form part of thisspecification.

This invention relates to certain improvements in slaughteringapparatus.

The object of the invention is to provide improved means for catchingand elevating hogs which will grasp the animal by two legs and securelyhold the animal against twisting or wrenching either leg loose, andwhich can be easily and quickly operated.

A further object is to provide improved catching and elevating apparatuswhich can be operated by one person, and which has two connectedgrapples operated by two handles, and improved means whereby the hog canbe released when desired.

These objects are accomplished by and this invention consists in certainnovel features of construction and in combinations of parts more fullydescribed hereinafter, and particularly pointed out in the claims.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is an elevation showingthe grapples closed, parts being broken away. Fig. 2 is an edge view,the device being closed. Fig. 3 is an elevation showing the grapplesopened in position to grasp the legs of the hog, parts being brokenaway. Fig. l is a detail section on line :0 00, Fig. 1, showing thelocking-bolt and means for operating the same to open the grips orgrapples.

In the drawings, the reference-letter a indicates the carrying orconnecting frame of the device, preferably formed integral of suitablemetal and of sufficient strength to support a hog, and at one end havingthe two opposite extending bearing-arms Z) I), which carry two similargrips or grapples or other means to hold the hog. Each grapple consistsof the main operating-lever 0, strongly pivoted a distance from itsgrasping end to an arm I) to swing laterally and having its 0pposite endextended to receive a handle 6. The short lever memberfof the grapple isstrongly pivoted on the main lever at a in rear of the pivotal point (1,(to receive its power,) while the rear end of said short lever isfulcrumed to the outer end of a pivoted link extending toward the centerof the frame and at its inner end loosely secured to the frame, so as tooscillate as the levers move. The outer or grasping ends of the levermembers of each grapple are oppositely curved, respectively, outwardlyand then inwardly, and the end of one lever is longitudi nallybifurcated at h to receive the end of the other lever, which extendstherethrough when the levers are closed with their ends overlapping.

From the foregoing it will be clearly evident that when the twooperating levers or handles of the two grapples are swung in certaindirections the grapples will be closed, and when swung in the oppositedirections they will open by reason of the peculiar arrangement andpivotal union of the two different classes of levers embodied in eachgrip, the main lever operating the short lever. In the present design ofcarrying out my invention when the two lever-handles are moved towardeach other the levers close and when moved away from each other theyopen; but of course the arrangement might be varied so that the gripswould close and open when moved oppositely from the manner describedabove. Certain means are also provided for locking the grapples in theirclosed positions, each grapple being provided with separate andindependent means as follows: The rear end of the frame is provided witha pair of oppositely-extending arms 2' 7:, projecting over theoperating-handles and provided on their rear sides with outwardly andoppositely inclined ratchet-teethj, and each operating-lever has alateral lug 2' upon which a dog it is mounted, provided withengagingshoulder l to slide over the ratchet'teet-h of its arm t' whenthe lever is thrown in to close the grips, (under influence of springl,) but to tightly bite into and mesh with said teeth against outwardmovement of the levers to open the grips, thereby firmly locking thesame. These dogs have the extended handle ends Z conveniently located,so that the operating-levers can be easily released and swung out bymerely pressing in the handle ends of the dogs with the thumbs while thelevers are moved. Suitable stops are provided for the dogs.

The inner endsof pivoted links g may be provided with longitudinal slotsm, and said ends extend through the walls of a box or casing 01, formedlongitudinally on the frame. The links are confined by pins 0, passingthrough the frame and said slots, thereby allowing limited longitudinalplay thereof. A boltp is longitudinally movable in said box or casingand extends rearwardly beyond the frame and has elevating chain orconnection q attached strongly to its outer end. The

longitudinal movement of the bolt is limited by a longitudinal slot 21,and a pin usecured to the frame and extending therethrough. Within thebox or casing the bolt fits snugly and is provided on two sides with thelaterally-inclined faces or steps 1 2 to bear against the ends of linksg. The normal position of the bolt is that shown in Fig. 1, with thegrips closed,and one or more expansive springs a are employed in the boxto yieldingly hold the bolt in its normal posit-ion, with the ends ofthe links resting between faces 1 2. A longitudidal slot is formed insaid box or casing, and also an aperture 1') is formed in said bolt.

The operation of the apparatus is as follows and will be readilyunderstood by all persons acquainted with modern methods of slaughteringhogs: A man is located in the pen, holding the present device bythehandles with the grips open. He then catches a hog by the two hind legsand throws the handles toward each other, thereby firmly gripping thehog, while the lockin g devices before mention ed securely hold thegrips locked. As soon as the hog is securely caught the operator placesthe hook of the elevating-rope into ring 0', secured to hook d of thechain q, and the hog is then elevated and placed on th e tramwaycarriage or trolley by hook d. \V hen itis desired to drop thehog,thehandles are grasped and thelocking-dogs pressedin and the handlesthrown apart, thus opening the grips and releasing the animals legs.When the construction of Fig. 1 is employed, the hog is ordinarilydelivered by a tool, Fig. 4, consisting of a lever e, which entersaperture 1) of the bolt and has a swinging hook f, which bears upagainst the lower end of the frame and forces the frame up independentlyof the locking-bolt, whereby the ends of the links 9 g are allowed toslide inwardly on the inclined tion of Fig. 1 the device and hog"is-upheld by the locking-bolt. Hence as soon as the weight of the hog isupheld by said bolt'the frame and grapples tend to draw down on thebolt, whereby the ends of links 9 engage outwardly-inclined surfaces 2 2and are forced out thereby, and thus the grasping ends of the levers aretightened around the legs of the animal. It should be understood thatwhen the links g are moved outward the grasping ends of the same aredrawn together, and vice versa when the links move in.

The construction shown in 3 dispenses with the locking-bolt andco-operating parts, the links g 9 being pivoted to lugs of the frame at3 3 to allow oscillation of their outer ends, and the elevating-chainbeing secured directly to the end of the frame at 4, the device beingotherwise the same as that of Fig. 1, only far simpler in construction.The animal is delivered by releasing the operatinglevers and throwingthem apart, as before described.

In slaughtering establishments hogs are ordinarily secured and raised bya chain shackled around one leg of the animal. The other leg is thusleft free, allowing the animal to kick, wrench, and throw himself,thereby rupturing the blood-vessels at the joints and in the bones. Thisblood settles and cannot be cured, and hence a percentage of the hamswill not cure satisfactorily. These disadvantages are obviated by theuse of my invention, for the animal is lifted by both hind legs and hasno chance to kick and throw himself, and hence the hams and meat can bethoroughly cured.

This invention consists, broadly, in a hoggrappling mechanism composedof two grapples (nor do I limit myself to a peculiar c011- struction ofgrapple or grip) so positively or fixedly connected or secured togetherthat they will be fixedly held a determined distance apart when graspingthe legs of the hog, thereby composing what might be termed a doublegrapple, as the device is really a single tool or instrument, the twogrips or grapples of which are positively secured together.

I do not limit myself to any peculiar arrangement, combination,connection, support, or frame whereby the grapples or grips are composedand positively secured together.

My invention further consists in the two fixedly-connected grapples or adouble grap- Two loosely-connected grapples have heretofore been used tograsp the animal by both legs; but in practice two men arerequired tosuccessfully apply them to the animal, and the grapplesbeing onlyconnected by ropes and held locked by the weight of the animalthe hog isable to throw one leg loose and is left suspended by one leg, this oldarrangement also possessing certain other disadvantages. The presentdevice has its two grips fixedly connected, so as not to moveindependent of each other, with two handles to operate the same. Thedevice can hence be operated by one man. The legs of the hog are firmlyheld, so that he cannot kick alternately with his hind legs. Eachgrapple has independent locking means, so that the grapplesautomatically lock the moment they are sufliciently applied and can bereleased instantly. One grapple can tightly grasp and hold the smallportion of one leg while the other grapple grasps the larger portion ofthe other leg. By reason of the peculiar shape of the grasping ends ofthe leversthe legs of the animal are guided into the proper position tobe grasped, and are thereby easily, quickly, and surely caught withoutdanger of missing.

It is evident that various changes might be resorted to in the form andarrangement of the parts described without departing from the spirit andscope of myinvention. Hence I do not wish to limit myself to theconstruction herein set forth, but consider myself entitled to all suchchanges and modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of myinvention.

What I claim is- 1. A device for the purpose mentioned, having twolever-grips held a fixed distance apart.

2. A hog grappling. and elevating mechanism comprising the two pivotedlever grips or grapples so arranged and positively connected or securedtogether as to be rigidly held a fixed distance apart when looked uponthe legs of the hog, and thereby holding said legs rigidly together,substantially as described.

3. A hog grappling and elevating mechanism comprising a pair of grapplesor grips, positive non-flexible connections between said grapples, and apair of operating levers or handles, each grip having but one of said operating levers or handles, whereby one man can operate both grips, andthe grips will rigidly hold the legs of the hog.

at. In a hog grappling and elevating mechanism, the combination of thetwo grapples, each having a single operating lever or handle, andpositive locking means for said grapples, substantially as described.

5. In a hog grappling and elevating mechanism, the combination of thetwo grapples or grips, rigid connections between said grips,

positive locking means therefor, and the single elevating chain orconnection for supporting both grips, said connection being connected tothe grips independent of said locking means and the opcratingdevers ofthe grips.

6. In a hog grappling and elevating n1echanism, the combination of thetwo grapples or grips, rigid connections between the grips, twooperating levers or handles, and the elevating chain or connectionattached to the connections between said grips independent of saidoperating-levers.

7. In a hog grappling and elevating mechanism, a lever-grip, the outerends of the grlplevers being flared or bent outwardly and made tooverlap when closed, as set forth.

8. The combination, with a connectingframe, of two lever-grips pivotedto and fixedly connected thereby, suls'tztntially as described.

9. In a device for the purpose mentioned, a frame, in combination with agrip composed of levers of two different classes, one lever beingpivoted to the frame and pivoted to and operating the other,substantially as described.

10. A hoggrappling mechanism comprising, in combination, the twopositively and fixedly connected lever-grips, each having a singleoperating-lever, whereby one man can operate the two grips,substantially as described.

11. In combination, a rigid frame to wh ch the elevating-chain isconnected and the gr1ps pivoted thereto and having twooperatinglevers,substantially as described.

12. In a device for the purpose mentioned, one or more grips andindependent locking means for each grip, whereby each gr p can beindependently locked at any position or released, substantially asdescribed.

13. The grips composed of levers, in comb1- nation with a separateindependent lockingdog for the operating-lever of each grip and a frameconnecting said grips, and with which said dogs engage to lock thegrips.

14. In combination, the frame having ratchet-teeth, lever-grips carriedby the frame, each having an operating-lever, and pivoted dogs carriedby said levers to mesh with said teeth and lock the grips.

15. A grip mounted on a frame and having a swinging operating-lever, anda pivoted spring locking-clog carried by said lever, arranged to engagethe frame and lock the lever and be operated by the thumb to release thelever.

16. A hog grappling and elevating mechanism comprising a pair oflever-grips, grapples, or other means to grasp and hold both hind legsof a 110g held afixed distance apart when closed and looked upon thelegs of the hog, substantially as described.

17. In combination, a frame, a pair of grips composed of levers, and amovable bolt mounted in the frameand to which the elevatingchain isattached, said bolt being arranged when upholding the hog to tightensaid grips and when the frame is lifted thereon to partially open thegrips, substantially as .de-

scribed. 18. In combination, the frame having a longitudinal opening,the bolt longitudinally movable therein and to which the elevatingehainis attached, said bolt having steps or inclined surfaces, as set forth,and the grips composed of the levers, one leverof each grip having alink, as set forth, to bear against said bolt and be operated by thesteps or inclined faces thereof, substantially as described.

19. In combination, a frame and a grip 'car-' ried thereby, consistingof an operating-lever fulcrumed on the frame, one end forming a handleand the other a grasping end, and another short lever at one end movablyfulcrumed to the frame, the other end forming a grasping end, said leverbeing pivoted between its ends on the operating-lever, substai'itiallyas described.

20. In a catching and elevating apparatus, a pair of grips or grapplesarranged so as to be held a fixed distance apart when locked and to gripboth hind legs of a hog and prevent independent movement thereof andlocking means to hold said grapples rigidly closed or locked,substantially as described.

21.. In a hog grappling and elevating mechanism, the combination of thetwo grapples and positive connections between the same so arranged andconstructed that the grips are fixedly held a determined distance apartwhen grappled upon the hogs legs, substantially as described.

22. A hog-catching tool consisting of the double grip or grapple, thegrapples of which to close and openthe grapples of said tool,

substantially as described.

24. A hog-catching tool consisting of the double grapple,theoperating-levers to close and open the grapples thereof, and lockingmeans to lock the grapples upon the legs of the hog, substantially asdescribed.

25. A hog-catching tool consisting of a rigid support and two grapplescarried thereon, substantially as described.

26. A hog-catching tool consisting of two grapples fixedly securedtogether and incapable of relative independent movement and a singlesupporting or elevating chain or eonnection, substantially as described.

27. A hog-catching tool composed of two fixed grapples arranged andconstructed to grasp both hind legs of a hog and rigidly hold themagainst independent. movement and means for opening and closing saidgrapples, substantially as described.

28. A hog-catching tool consisting of two grapples, means for operatingthe same, and positive connections or a non-flexihle support between thegrapples, substantially as described.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I affix my signatn rein presence of two witnesses.

THEODORE II. CURTIS.

Witnesses HUBERT E. PEOK, O. M. WERLE.

